Isaiah 58:13

KJV

¶ If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, [from] doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking [thine own] words:

KJV (with Strong's)

If thou turn away {H7725} thy foot {H7272} from the sabbath {H7676}, from doing {H6213} thy pleasure {H2656} on my holy {H6944} day {H3117}; and call {H7121} the sabbath {H7676} a delight {H6027}, the holy {H6918} of the LORD {H3068}, honourable {H3513}; and shalt honour {H3513} him, not doing {H6213} thine own ways {H1870}, nor finding {H4672} thine own pleasure {H2656}, nor speaking {H1696} thine own words {H1697}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"If you hold back your foot on Shabbat from pursuing your own interests on my holy day; if you call Shabbat a delight, ADONAI's holy day, worth honoring; then honor it by not doing your usual things or pursuing your interests or speaking about them.

Berean Standard Bible

If you turn your foot from breaking the Sabbath, from doing as you please on My holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight, and the LORD’s holy day honorable, if you honor it by not going your own way or seeking your own pleasure or speaking idle words,

American Standard Version

If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, and the holy of Jehovah honorable; and shalt honor it, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 58:13 presents a profound divine instruction on true Sabbath observance, moving beyond mere cessation from labor to a holistic spiritual posture. It challenges the people of God to relinquish self-centered pursuits—their own pleasure, ways, and words—and instead to embrace the Sabbath as a sacred delight, honoring the Lord who consecrated it. This passage underscores that genuine worship and obedience are not found in outward ritual alone, but in a transformed heart that finds its deepest satisfaction and honor in God's holy day and His purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 58 stands as a powerful prophetic indictment against Israel's hypocritical religious practices, particularly their fasting. Prior to verse 13, the prophet details how the people observe outward forms of piety (fasting, bowing their heads, wearing sackcloth) while simultaneously engaging in injustice, oppression, and strife (Isaiah 58:3-4). God declares that He does not accept such fasting, but rather desires true righteousness, social justice, and acts of compassion (Isaiah 58:6-7). Verse 13 then pivots from the broader theme of "true fasting" to "true Sabbath observance," presenting it as another crucial expression of genuine devotion that contrasts sharply with their self-serving religious performance. The subsequent verse, [Isaiah 58:14](/isaiah/58-14 "Isaiah 58:14 - Blessings of Sabbath Observance"), promises rich blessings for those who honor the Sabbath as described in verse 13, linking obedience to divine favor and restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sabbath, established at creation (Genesis 2:2-3) and codified in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11), was a foundational covenant sign for Israel (Exodus 31:13-17). By Isaiah's time (8th century BCE), the northern kingdom of Israel had fallen to Assyria, and Judah faced similar threats. Religious observance often became ritualistic and detached from ethical living, a common problem among the prophets. The people had reduced Sabbath-keeping to a legalistic avoidance of work, missing its deeper spiritual intent. This verse addresses a culture where individuals might physically rest but mentally and verbally pursue their own agendas and desires, failing to recognize the day's sacredness as a time set apart for the Lord. The emphasis on "pleasure," "ways," and "words" highlights the pervasive nature of self-focus in their daily lives, which extended even into their sacred time.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic tradition. It emphasizes the theme of **genuine worship versus ritualism**, asserting that God values a transformed heart and righteous living over mere outward observance. The call to "call the sabbath a delight" introduces the theme of **joy in obedience**, transforming what might be seen as a burden into a source of spiritual pleasure. Furthermore, the repeated contrast between "thy pleasure," "thine own ways," and "thine own words" versus honoring the Lord underscores the theme of **submission to divine will** and the **sanctity of time**. This aligns with the broader message of Isaiah, which consistently calls Israel back to covenant faithfulness, social justice, and a deep reliance on the [Holy One of Israel](/isaiah/1-4 "Isaiah 1:4 - The Holy One of Israel"). The passage also subtly touches on the theme of **restoration and blessing**, as true Sabbath observance is presented as a prerequisite for experiencing God's promised favor, echoing the promises found in passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pleasure (Hebrew, _chêphets'_):** From H2656, this word signifies "desire," "delight," or "a valuable thing." In this context, it refers to one's own personal pursuits, gratification, or business interests. The command is to turn away from seeking one's own self-serving "pleasure" on the Sabbath, contrasting it with finding delight in the Sabbath itself as God's holy day.
* **Ways (Hebrew, _derek'_):** From H1870, this word literally means "a road" or "path," but figuratively denotes "a course of life" or "mode of action." Here, it refers to one's customary activities, plans, or routines that are typically driven by personal ambition or daily affairs. To not do "thine own ways" means to cease from one's usual, self-directed patterns of life and work on the Sabbath.
* **Words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this word means "a word," "matter," or "thing." While H1696 (dâbar) is the verb "to speak," H1697 refers to the content or subject of speech. "Speaking thine own words" implies engaging in idle chatter, business discussions, or frivolous conversation that distracts from the sacred purpose of the day. It highlights that even one's speech should be consecrated to God on the Sabbath.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, [from] doing thy pleasure on my holy day;":** This initial clause sets the condition for the promised blessings. "Turning away thy foot" is a Hebrew idiom for refraining or ceasing from a particular activity or path. Here, it means to cease from trampling upon or disrespecting the Sabbath by pursuing one's "pleasure" (personal desires, business, or self-gratification) on God's consecrated day. The phrase "my holy day" emphasizes divine ownership and sanctification of the Sabbath.
* **"and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable;":** This clause presents the positive command, contrasting sharply with the negative prohibitions. Instead of viewing the Sabbath as a burden or an opportunity for personal gain, one is to "call" (declare, proclaim, acknowledge) it as a "delight" – a source of genuine joy and spiritual refreshment. It is to be recognized as "the holy of the LORD," emphasizing its sacredness and dedication to God, and thus "honourable" – weighty, glorious, and worthy of respect.
* **"and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking [thine own] words:":** This final clause reiterates and expands upon the initial conditions, emphasizing the holistic nature of honoring God through Sabbath observance. "Honoring Him" (the Lord) is the ultimate goal. This involves a comprehensive cessation from self-directed activities: not pursuing "thine own ways" (personal routines or business), not "finding thine own pleasure" (seeking self-gratification), and not "speaking thine own words" (engaging in idle or secular conversation). The repetition of "thine own" highlights the self-renunciation required for true Sabbath keeping.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 58:13 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, where the prophet sets up a direct contrast between two opposing behaviors: turning away from self-pleasure and embracing the Sabbath as a delight. This contrast highlights the spiritual choice facing the people. **Parallelism** is also evident, particularly in the repeated negative phrases "not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words," which creates a rhythmic emphasis on the comprehensive nature of self-denial required. The phrase "turn away thy foot from the sabbath" functions as a **Metonymy**, where "foot" represents one's actions or course of life, signifying a complete cessation of self-directed activity on the holy day. Furthermore, the imperative to "call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable" uses **Personification** by attributing human qualities (being called a delight, holy, honourable) to the day itself, elevating its status and emphasizing its inherent sacredness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 58:13 is a pivotal text for understanding the spiritual depth of Sabbath observance, transcending mere legalistic adherence to a day of rest. It reveals that God desires a heart that genuinely delights in Him and His purposes, rather than a grudging compliance with rules. The passage connects the sanctity of time to the sanctity of life, implying that how one uses their consecrated time reflects their true devotion. It underscores that true worship involves a surrender of self-will—our own desires, plans, and conversations—to God's will, recognizing His sovereignty over all aspects of our existence. This holistic approach to the Sabbath serves as a microcosm for a life lived in full submission and honor to the Lord, where our greatest pleasure is found in His presence and His glory.

* [Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment")
* [Nehemiah 13:15-22](/nehemiah/13-15 "Nehemiah 13:15-22 - Nehemiah's Reform of Sabbath Observance")
* [Mark 2:27-28](/mark/2-27 "Mark 2:27-28 - Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 58:13 calls us to a radical re-evaluation of how we perceive and utilize our time, particularly moments set aside for spiritual focus. In a world that constantly demands our "ways," "pleasures," and "words" for personal advancement or entertainment, this verse invites us to counter-culturally consecrate time to the Lord. It's not just about abstaining from certain activities, but about actively cultivating a heart that finds its deepest "delight" in God and His holiness. This means intentionally disengaging from the relentless pursuit of self-gratification, the demands of our own agendas, and even the casual chatter that fills our days, to instead focus on communion with God, reflection on His Word, and acts of worship and service that honor Him. True Sabbath-keeping, in this sense, becomes a weekly spiritual discipline that reorients our entire being towards God, reminding us that our ultimate satisfaction and purpose are found in Him alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I tend to "do my own pleasure" or pursue "my own ways" on days or times I intend to set aside for God?**
* **How can I cultivate a genuine "delight" in God's holy time, rather than viewing it as a restriction or a burden?**
* **What specific "words" or conversations might I need to turn away from to truly honor the Lord with my speech on His day?**
* **How does my current rhythm of life reflect a prioritization of God's will over my own desires, as encouraged by this verse?**

### FAQ
**What does "turn away thy foot from the sabbath" mean?**

Answer: This phrase is an idiom meaning to cease from trampling upon or disrespecting the Sabbath. It implies refraining from activities that profane the holy day, particularly those driven by personal gain, pleasure, or routine secular pursuits. It's about consciously choosing to honor the Sabbath by not using it for one's own purposes, but for God's.

**Is this verse only about the literal Sabbath day (Saturday)?**

Answer: While the immediate context is the literal Sabbath (the seventh day of the week) as observed by ancient Israel, the principles articulated in Isaiah 58:13 extend beyond a specific day to encompass the spirit of consecration and devotion. For Christians, while the New Testament does not rigidly enforce Saturday Sabbath observance, the underlying principles of setting aside time for God, resting from self-driven pursuits, finding delight in Him, and honoring Him with our time, resources, and speech remain profoundly relevant. It encourages a lifestyle of intentional rest and worship, whether on Sunday (the Lord's Day), or other dedicated times.

**How does "not speaking thine own words" apply to modern life?**

Answer: "Not speaking thine own words" refers to refraining from idle chatter, gossip, business discussions, or any conversation that distracts from the sacred purpose of the Sabbath. In modern life, this could mean limiting discussions about work, finances, or trivial matters on a day set apart for God. It encourages intentional conversation focused on spiritual growth, encouragement, and communion with God and fellow believers, fostering an atmosphere of reverence and delight in the Lord.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 58:13, with its call to true Sabbath observance, finds its ultimate fulfillment and reinterpretation in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament Sabbath was a shadow, Christ is the substance (Colossians 2:16-17). Jesus declared Himself to be the "Lord of the Sabbath" [Mark 2:28](/mark/2-28 "Mark 2:28 - Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath"), asserting His authority over its interpretation and practice. He consistently challenged the legalistic and burdensome interpretations of the Pharisees, who had reduced the Sabbath to a set of rigid rules, much like Isaiah rebuked Israel for their superficial fasting. Jesus demonstrated that the Sabbath was made for humanity's benefit, not humanity for the Sabbath [Mark 2:27](/mark/2-27 "Mark 2:27 - The Sabbath was made for man"). His acts of healing on the Sabbath (e.g., [Luke 13:10-17](/luke/13-10 "Luke 13:10-17 - Healing on the Sabbath")) revealed that true Sabbath-keeping involves acts of mercy and liberation, aligning with Isaiah 58's broader call for justice and compassion. Ultimately, Christ Himself is our true rest, the one in whom we cease from our own works and find spiritual delight (Hebrews 4:9-10). The call to "turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure" is fulfilled in the believer's surrender to Christ, finding our "delight" not in our own ways or words, but in the life, death, and resurrection of the One who provides eternal rest and true honor to God (Matthew 11:28-30). Through Him, we are empowered to live a life that genuinely honors God, not just on a specific day, but in every aspect of our existence, reflecting the spirit of the Sabbath in our daily walk.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 17:21

Thus saith the LORD; Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the sabbath day, nor bring [it] in by the gates of Jerusalem;

Jeremiah 17:27

But if ye will not hearken unto me to hallow the sabbath day, and not to bear a burden, even entering in at the gates of Jerusalem on the sabbath day; then will I kindle a fire in the gates thereof, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched.

Psalms 92:1

¶ A Psalm [or] Song for the sabbath day. [It is a] good [thing] to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:

Psalms 92:2

To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night,

Nehemiah 13:15

¶ In those days saw I in Judah [some] treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all [manner of] burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified [against them] in the day wherein they sold victuals.

Nehemiah 13:22

And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and [that] they should come [and] keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, [concerning] this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.

Isaiah 56:2

Blessed [is] the man [that] doeth this, and the son of man [that] layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.